Shy thirteen-year-old Bree must channel her inner anime heroine to solve a crime at the Anime Expo.
Bree Wong and her best friend, Alix, are so excited to be at the anime fan convention. They're dressed as the lead characters from their favorite anime series. Bree cosplays as Red Squirrel, the redheaded detective, and can't wait to meet Midori, the Japanese voice actor for the character. But before she gets the chance, it's announced that Midori's signing event has been cancelled.
Bree is devastated. So when she overhears that a valuable original print of Red Squirrel belonging to Midori has been stolen, she decides to investigate and catch the thief. Maybe Bree can get a face-to-face with Midori if she recovers the stolen print. The only problem is the culprit was seen wearing a cosplay costume. Not just any costume, but one of the most popular characters at the convention. Bree must channel Red Squirrel and get to the bottom of this or lose her chance to meet her idol. What a tough nut to crack!
This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don't like to read! This edition is formatted using Noah Text® which increases reading accessibility and fluency for striving readers by highlighting syllables and long vowels. The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.
Key Selling Points
• Shy thirteen-year-old Bree steps out of her comfort zone to investigate a theft at an anime convention.
• This story explores themes of friendship, overcoming fears and following one's passions.
• The main character's best friend identifies as female and nonbinary, but this is incidental to the storyline.
• In recent years, anime and cosplay have exploded in global popularity and have become part of mainstream culture. This book will appeal to both devoted fans and newcomers curious about this community.
• This is another fun, heartfelt story by Marty Chan with great comedic elements.
• This edition is formatted using Noah Text® which increases reading accessibility and fluency for striving readers by highlighting syllables and long vowels.
In this high-interest accessible novel for middle-grade readers, shy thirteen-year-old Bree Wong must channel her inner anime heroine to solve a crime at the Anime Expo.
Marty Chan is an award-winning author of dozens of books for kids, including Kung Fu Master, Willpower, Haunted Hospital and Kylie the Magnificent in the Orca Currents line and the award-winning Marty Chan Mystery series. He tours schools and libraries across Canada, using storytelling, stage magic and improv to ignite a passion for reading in kids. He lives in Edmonton. Bree isn't just another fan.
"Simple vocabulary and quick pacing make the story a good fit for struggling readers. Rife with references to anime and fan culture, a mystery sure to entice readers."
"Chan touches upon many societal issues, such as anxiety and gender identity, as well as friendship and acceptance...A good read, one hard to put down. Highly recommended."
"This book can be used in small group discussions on social anxiety and how to maintain individuality amid adversity. English teachers will enjoy the imagery of the gamers room. Furthermore, the short text will suit reluctant or striving readers…Anime and manga fans will appreciate the references to popular stories combined with sweet friendship and realistic mystery."
"Buckle up for a thrilling middle-grade mystery that throws you right into the heart of an anime convention. This book is a love letter to anime fandom, brimming with references that will have any enthusiast grinning. The author expertly weaves the world of cosplay seamlessly into a fast-paced adventure. Beyond the exciting mystery, the story celebrates the power of friendship and finding your courage. A captivating read."